Srinagar, Sept 2: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has directed for enhancement of salaries of Waqf employees before Eid saying the formalities should be finalized in the next meeting scheduled on Wednesday.
 Omar who is also the Chairman of Waqf Board chaired a meeting of J&K Muslim Waqf Board here and asked the employees to render their service with zeal, zest and devotion. “The honesty and zest to protect and safeguard Waqf interests and its property should be the bench mark of Waqf employees services”, he emphasized.
 “We are the trustees and protectors of shrines, Masajids religious institutions and it is our duty to take every step in protecting, maintaining and safe-guarding these places. We should also take care to facilitate the prayers and visits of devotees to these holy places”, he maintained.
 Omar said “It is not only moral and legal duty but religious obligation of the allottees of Waqf properties to pay the proper and timely rent to the Board.
 The meeting reviewed action taken by the Board on various issues and assignments under implementation.
 The matters pertaining to the interior work of Charar-e-Sharief, installation of passenger rope way at Maqdoom Sahib (RA), computerization of Waqf records, upgradation of facilities at Hazratbal and construction of commercial establishments were also discussed.
 The meeting decided for taking appropriate measures for enhancing the rent for the Waqf property being used for commercial purposes by the allottees. The collection of rent and steps for the protection and upkeep of Waqf properties were also discussed and finalized in the meeting.
 Vice-Chairman, Waqf Board, M Y Qadri said the Board provided free relief worth Rs 20 lakh to the poor and needy in the valley during the current situation. “We have also provided food grains and cash assistance to the poor through various mosques”, he added

Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 3 Sep 2010 00:00:00 IST